Pickled snap peas. Jalapeno eggs.
Sweet potato butter in a jar. All of it waits on the shelves of one quiet country store in northern Utah.
The owner isn’t Amish or Mennonite. He grew up with Amish neighbors in Montana and built his shop to feel like the markets of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
His shelves stock goods from Amish suppliers and the kinds of foods Amish families favor.
No music plays inside. The aisles move at a slower, unhurried pace, with walls of jams, bins of spices, and a deli counter in the back.
Calm shopping? Yes, please.
I like how a simple grocery run here turns into a small treasure hunt. Sourdough bread, nostalgic candy, and handmade clocks share the same roof.
Even the soap aisle gets interesting. So which aisle would you hit first?
The Mennonite Rumor Gets A Friendly Little Fix
Here’s a fun twist before you even park. Apple Creek Bulk Food Co. is an Amish-style market, not a Mennonite one.
Owners Greg and Rachelle Arlint opened the Willard shop on October 8, 2012. Greg isn’t Amish himself, but he grew up with Amish neighbors in Montana.
Those childhood memories shaped the whole idea. He modeled the store after the Amish markets found in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
So where does the food come from? Products are sourced from Pennsylvania or Ohio, made by Amish people or through Amish suppliers.
Some items are simply the kinds of foods Amish families enjoy. That gives the shelves a flavor you won’t easily spot at a big chain grocery store.
I believe that backstory makes the place more charming, not less. It’s a tribute to a neighborly way of life, built with real care.
The Arlints later opened a second market in Provo in 2015. Still, the Willard original is where the story began, and it remains the one worth a detour.
Call it Amish, call it old-fashioned, or call it delicious. The label matters less once you see those packed shelves.
Your Toast Deserves Pumpkin Butter, Honestly
Sweet potato butter is a real thing, and it’s sitting on a shelf here. So are blueberry butter, apple butter, and pumpkin butter.
One whole side of the store leans heavily into jarred goods. Jams, jellies, salsas, and fruit butters stack up in long, colorful rows.
Fair warning, the choices can get overwhelming fast. You came in for strawberry jam and now you’re debating three kinds of fruit butter.
My advice is simple. Pick one familiar flavor and one wild card you’ve never tried before.
Fruit butters are thicker and smoother than jam. They spread easily on toast, biscuits, or warm rolls, and they work nicely stirred into oatmeal too.
Pumpkin butter gets special love when it lands on the store’s sourdough bread. That pairing alone could justify the drive.
Jars also make easy gifts for teachers, neighbors, or that friend who already owns everything. A small basket of mixed spreads feels thoughtful without much effort.
Just remember your cart has limits, even if your curiosity doesn’t. Those shelves are long, and the jars are sturdy little temptations.
Pickled Everything Lives In These Aisles
Jalapeno eggs. That phrase alone either makes you curious or makes you nervous.
Apple Creek Bulk Food Co. carries a big lineup of pickled foods. Pickled eggs, hot pickles, jalapeno eggs, and pickled snap peas all share shelf space.
Pickling is an old-school way to keep food tasty for months. Amish kitchens have relied on it for generations, so it fits right in here.
Hot pickles are a great starting point for spice fans. Some of the flavors pack serious heat, so maybe skip them right before a road trip with no water.
Pickled snap peas make a crunchy, tangy snack. They’re also fun on a snack board next to cheese and crackers.
Pickled eggs might seem unusual if you’ve never tried one. Slice them over a salad or eat them plain for a protein boost with a vinegary kick.
Not sure where to begin? Grab two jars, one mild and one bold, and compare them at home.
Your fridge door may never look the same. Honestly, that’s the best kind of kitchen makeover.
Save Room For A Sandwich From The Back Counter
Lebanon bologna, scrapple, and head cheese. That deli case reads like a road trip through Pennsylvania farm country.
Way in the back, the deli counter makes sandwiches to order. You choose from a wide spread of meats and cheeses, then let the staff build it.
Lebanon bologna is a smoky, tangy beef sausage with deep Pennsylvania roots. If you’ve never tried it, this is a smart place to start.
Cheese lovers get plenty to explore too. Options include smoked bacon cheese, sharp white cheddar, and blue marble.
Not hungry right now? You can also buy deli meats and cheeses to take home for later.
A relaxed seating area sits nearby for eating on the spot. It’s a nice break if you’ve been driving Highway 89 for a while.
One timing tip matters a lot here. The deli closes at 5:30 PM, earlier than the rest of the store.
Plan your lunch stop with that in mind. Showing up at 5:28 with a long order is a gamble nobody needs.
Bakers, Bring A Big Shopping List
Sourdough bread sits on the shelves here, ready for that pumpkin butter. For many home cooks, though, the real draw is the baking aisle.
Apple Creek Bulk Food Co. stocks a wide range of bulk flours, grains, beans, and nuts. Spices, herbs, and seasonings fill out the space nicely.
Planning a pie? This is where you gather the ingredients.
Think flour for the crust, warm spices for the filling, and nuts for the topping.
Buying in bulk can be handy for serious bakers. It’s also great for trying a new spice without committing to a giant jar.
Gluten-free shoppers aren’t left out either. The store carries gluten-free choices like pancake mix and pasta.
Some shoppers also love the all-in-one ingredient pouches. They take some guesswork out of busy weeknight cooking.
Here’s a smart move before you go. Check your pantry and write down what’s running low, because wandering these aisles without a plan gets expensive in a fun way.
Fresh bread for today, flour for tomorrow. That’s a pretty good haul for one stop.
The Candy Aisle Might Undo Your Willpower
Chocolate grahams. Just reading those two words probably made you a little hungry.
Old-fashioned candy fills a good chunk of this store. You’ll find fudge, gummy candies, chocolate grahams, and other nostalgic treats.
It’s the kind of candy section that sparks memories. Grandparents may spot sweets from their own childhood days.
Kids, meanwhile, get to discover them for the very first time. That makes it a fun stop for the whole family.
Then comes the back of the store, where an ice cream counter waits. Better still, you can sample flavors before choosing.
Sampling is a gift for picky eaters and indecisive grown-ups alike. Try two or three, then commit to the winner.
Fudge also travels well, which makes it an easy road snack. Just keep it out of a hot car in a Utah summer.
My tip is to shop the pantry aisles first. Save the sweets for last, so your basket has room for the important stuff, like a second cone.
Somehow You May Leave With A Porch Swing
Most grocery trips end with a bag of groceries. This one could end with a rocking chair strapped to your roof.
Beyond the food, the store carries rustic Amish furniture. Porch swings, quilts, and handmade clocks also share the floor.
Wind chimes add a gentle touch to the mix. Natural soaps and lotions sit near the front for anyone who loves simple self-care.
There’s practical stuff too. The store sells household goods and quality cutlery, including kitchen knives.
That variety makes this a handy gift stop. Holiday shopping and birthday presents get a lot easier with this much choice.
A handmade clock or soft quilt feels personal. It’s a nice change from another gift card tucked into an envelope.
Measure your space before eyeing big furniture, though. Porch swings look small in a store and huge in a hatchback.
Even if you’re only browsing, the woodwork is worth a slow look. Handcrafted pieces carry a warmth that mass-produced furniture rarely matches.
No Background Music, And That’s The Point
Silence in a store feels strange at first. Then it starts to feel wonderful.
Apple Creek Bulk Food Co. plays no music. The mood is friendly and low-key, with a slower rhythm that suits careful browsing.
That calm pace fits the old-fashioned charm. The store carries a homey, country fair feel that welcomes families.
Without loud speakers, you can actually think. Reading labels and comparing jars becomes surprisingly relaxing.
It’s also a great spot for curious kids. They can point out odd foods like head cheese or jalapeno eggs without shouting over a playlist.
The seating area adds to the easygoing vibe. It’s a pleasant place to rest with a sandwich or an ice cream cone.
I can’t imagine rushing through a place like this. Give yourself extra time, especially on your first visit.
Busy weeks can wear anyone down. A quiet stroll past shelves of preserves might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.
Map It Before You Hit The Fruitway
Highway 89 through this area is known as the Utah Fruitway. It’s a scenic stretch of road, and this store fits right into the drive.
You’ll find it at 875 North Main Street, S Hwy 89, Willard, UT 84340. Willard is a small community in Box Elder County, in northern Utah.
Freeway signs can be easy to miss. Set your map app before you leave so you don’t circle around looking for the right exit.
Timing matters too. The store opens at 10 AM, closes at 6 PM, and stays closed on Sundays.
Remember the deli wraps up at 5:30 PM. Arrive earlier if a sandwich is part of your plan.
Road trippers and RV travelers can stock up on snacks and supplies here. Jarred goods and candy hold up well on long drives.
Bring a cooler if you’re buying deli meats or cheese. Your future picnic will thank you.
A quick stop could easily become an hour. With shelves this full, that’s time well spent at Apple Creek Bulk Food Co.